Systematic Innovation in Process Engineering: Linking TRIZ and Process Intensification

Abstract

The research work analyses the relationship of 155 Process Intensification (PI) technologies to the components of the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ). It outlines TRIZ inventive principles frequently used in PI, and identifies opportunities for enhancing systematic innovation in process engineering by applying complementary TRIZ and PI. The study also proposes 70 additional inventive TRIZ sub-principles for the problems frequently encountered in process engineering, resulting in the advanced set of 160 inventive operators, assigned to the 40 TRIZ inventive principles. Finally, we analyse and discuss inventive principles used in 150 patent documents published in the last decade in the field of solid handling in the ceramic and pharmaceutical industries.

Appendix

Advanced TRIZ Inventive Principles with 160 sup-principles for Process Engineering (without description and examples).

1 Segmentation	21 Skipping/Rushing through
1(a) Segment object	21(a) Skip hazardous operations
1(b) Dismountable design	21(b) Boost the process
1(c) Segment to microlevel	22 Converting harm into benefit
1(d) Segment function	22(a) Utilize harm
1(e) Segment process	22(b) Remove harm with harm
2 Leaving out/ Trimming	22(c) Amplify harm to avoid it
2(a) Take out disturbing parts	23 Feedback and automation
2(b) Trim components	23(a) Introduce feedback
2(c) Trim functions	23(b) Enhance feedback
2(d) Trim process steps	23(c) Automation
2(e) Extract useful element	23(d) Data processing
3 Local quality	24 Mediator
3(a) Non-uniform object	24(a) Intermediate object
3(b) Non-uniform environment	24(b) Temporary mediator
3(c) Different functions	24(c) Intermediary process
3(d) Optimal conditions	25 Self service
3(e) Opposite properties	25(a) Object serves itself
4 Asymmetry	25(b) Utilize waste resources
4(a) Asymmetry	25(c) Use environmental resources
4(b) Enhance asymmetry	26 Copying
4(c) Back to symmetry	26(a) Simple copies
5 Combining	26(b) Optical copies
5(a) Combine similar objects	26(c) Invisible copies
5(b) Combine functions	26(d) Digital models
5(c) Combine different properties	26(e) Virtual reality
5(d) Combine complementary properties	27 Disposability/cheap short-living objects
5(e) Combine opposing properties	27(a) Short-living objects
6 Universality	27(b) Multiple cheap objects
6(a) Universal object	27(c) One-way objects
6(b) Universal process	27(d) Create objects from resources
7 Nesting/Integration	28 Replace mechanical working principle
7(a) Nested objects	28(a) Use electromagnetics
7(b) Passing through cavities	28(b) Optical systems
7(c) Telescopic systems	28(c) Acoustic system
8 Anti-weight	28(d) Chemical and biosystems
8(a) Use counterweight	28(e) Magnetic particles and fluids
8(b) Buoyancy)	29 Pneumatic or hydraulic constructions
8(c) Aero- or hydrodynamics	29(a) Gaseous or liquid flows
8(d) Use gravitation	29(b) Gas or liquid under pressure
9 Prior Counteraction of harm	29(c) Use vacuum
9(a) Counter harm in advance	29(d) Fluidization
9(b) Anti-stress	29(e) Heat transfer and exchange
9(c) Cooling in advance	30 Flexible shells or thin films
9(d) Rigid construction	30(a) Flexible shells or films
10 Prior useful action	30(b) Flexible isolation
10(a) Prior useful function	30(c) Piezoelectric foils
10(b) Pre-arrange objects	30(d) Use rushes
10(c) Prior process step	30(e) Use membranes
11 Preventive measure/Cushion in advance	31 Porous material
11(a) Safety cushion	31(a) Add porous elements
11(b) Preventive measures	31(b) Fill pores with substance
12 Equipotentiality	31(c) Use capillary effects
12(a) Keep altitude	31(d) Physical effects and porosity
12(b) Equipotentiality	31(e) Structured porosity
12(c) Avoid fluctuations	32 Change colour
13 Inversion	32(a) Change colour
13(a) Inversed action	32(b) Change transparency
13(b) Make fixed parts to movable	32(c) Coloured additives
13(c) Upside down	32(d) Use tracer
13(d) Reversed sequence	33 Homogeneity
13(e) Invert environment	33(a) Similar materials
14 Spheroidality and Rotation	33(b) Similar properties
14(a) Ball-shaped forms	33(c) Uniform properties
14(b) Spheres and cylinders	34 Rejecting and regenerating parts
14(c) Rotary motion	34(a) Discard useless parts
14(d) Swirling motion	34(b) Restore parts
14(e) Centrifugal forces	34 (c) Create parts on time and on site
15 Dynamism and adaptability	35 Transform physical and chemical properties
15(a) Optimal performance	35(a) Change aggregate state
15(b) Adaptive object	35(b) Change concentration
15(c) Adaptive process	35(c) Change physical properties
15(d) Flexible elements	35(d) Change temperature
15(e) Change statics to dynamics	35(e) Change chemical properties
16 Partial or excessive action	36 Phase transitions
16(a) One step back from ideal	36(a) Phase transitions
16(b) Optimal substance amount	36(b) 2nd order phase transitions
16(c) Optimal action	37 Thermal expansion
17 Shift to another dimension	37(a) Thermal expansion
17(a) Multi-dimensional form	37(b) Bi-metals
17(b) Miniaturization	37(c) Heat shrinking
17(c) Multi-layered structure	37(d) Shape memory
17(d) Tilt object	38 Strong Oxidants
17(e) 3D interaction	38(a) Oxygen-enriched air
18 Mechanical vibration	38(b) Use pure oxygen
18(a) Oscillate object	38(c) Use ionized oxygen
18(b) Ultrasound	38(d) Use ozone
18(c) Resonance	38(e) Strong oxidants
18(d) Piezo-electric vibrators	39 Inert environment
18(e) Ultrasound with other fields	39(a) Inert environment
19 Periodic action	39(b) Inert atmosphere process
19(a) Periodic action	39(c) Process in vacuum
19(b) Change frequency	39(d) Inert coatings or additives
19(c) Use pauses	39(e) Use foams
19(d) Match frequencies	40 Composite materials
19(e) Separate in time	40(a) Composite materials
20 Continuity of useful action	40(b) Use anisotropic properties
20(a) Continuous process	40(c) Additives in composites
20(b) Operate at full load	40(d) Composite microstructure
20(c) Eliminate idle work	40(e) Combine different aggregate states